I'm a Leupold fan...mostly. However, the new Leupold Freedom 3-9 doesn't have EFR. That would be a show stopper for me right there. I have one of the recently discontinued 3-9x33 with CDS, EFR/AO scopes and the new scopes are a giant step backwards. They have a LOT less features that made that scope so desirable. Get the Nikon.

 

I'm a Leupold fan as well and I've heard that they are supposed to be adding a EFR to the Freedom series, but it could be a good while, if it happens.

Another to consider is the Clearidge RM... in my opinion these are equal to the Weaver RV9... however if I can play Signalman for a sec... if you want a little more magnification, I would strongly consider the Weaver V16 if you can order from Natchez... great scope, especially at $280...
https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-cl...ssic-v-series-riflescope-1-tube-4-16x42mm-ao-stt-dual-x-reticle-v-16-matte.html

 

Yes and the freedom 3-9x40 is set for centerfire range parallax. That is probably set to 150, too shoot 100 to infinity.

I though I was reading the Leupold EFR was being reintroduced in the freedom line. That might be worth a wait. I hope that is with a fine corsshair. I think it was. Because no sooner than I read that, than some nimrod wants a coarse reticle?

Nikon has good glass, no question. The Nikon has some other limitation on the specs. Was it course adjustment or a min yardage limitation. You have to look closely at Nikon when it cones to specs. I think it as 1/2 inch per click at 100 yards? Right?

I would also give weaver some study. I believe they have a AO in that magnification range. I am not familiar with the specs on that scope.

Edit: I just read the last post. The V16 is a massive heavy scope. Not in the same class or application as the 3-9. FWIW, The Leupold is 3-9x33. Light and trim. Or it was. Same idea for the weaver. I forget how the Nikon is sized. But bigger objective diameter is not necessarily better for a scope. They can make bigger cheaper. You can carry the weight.

 

Yes and the freedom 3-9x40 is set for centerfire range parallax. That is probably set to 150, too shoot 100 to infinity.

They also make a VX-Freedom 3-9 rimfire version with parallax set at 60 yards but without an adjustable objective.

 

The Nikon EFR is a nice scope, but kind of big. All depends on your preferences. I agree with the Clearidge recommendation. I have a Leupold VX2 3x9 EFR and a Clearidge RM. They are roughly the same size and spec. When I bought the Clearidge, was going to swap the Leupold off another rifle and put it on my Kidd. Was so impressed with the Clearidge, it sits on the Kidd and have abandoned any ideas of replacement. If I were in the market again, it would be a no brainer.

 

Nikon 3x9 EFR is what I would get for a .22 LR. Leupold missed it big time with the freedom rimfire scope. They need to wake up and provide us a reasonable priced rimfire scope with AO adjustment down to 10 yards and out to 100

 

I think one of the Optic websites (Zone or Planet) carries them. I bought mine directly from Clearidge and received them in two days. I have Leupold VX-2 3-9 EFRs as well and while not the equal, the little Clearidge scopes are very good, especially for the price. I was impressed enough after receiving the model with the duplex-dot that I ordered another with the fine crosshair.

I've had the Nikon ProStaff 3-9 EFR Target and it is a large scope (mainly the ocular end) requiring high rings, at least on bolt action rifles. Nice clear glass and I liked the Precision reticle (crosshair-dot). I sold it because of the size and the cheap construction, especially the soft plastic turret caps. Like most Nikon scopes now, they are made in the Phillipines.

 

Leupold!
My older Nikon replacement rangefinder puked, 1st one also puked,and I sent it in on my dime hoping for a fix or a discount towards a new one. Too bad Infidel, a new one will run you $200+, full MSRP. When they sent it back it wasn't mine but someone else's that also didn't work.

 

Rhill sir I would recommend the Weaver V-16 scope they are a very nice scope for the money. Some of the great things about the V-16 is the Adjustable Objective which adjust down to 30 FEET not yards like other brands. The 4-16 magnification range is very sweet for those close up shots and you can crank it up for those up close and personal shots went needed. They were made with 5 different reticles to choose from: FCH. FCH Dot, Dual X, Ballistic X and 223 Ballistic X.

The Nikon 3-9x40mm scope weighs 15.7 OZ and the V-16 is 16.7 OZ...one once difference. The Objective of the Nikon is 1.97" the V-16 is 2.08" and the Ocular on the Nikon is huge compared to the V-16....Nikon is 1.73" and the V-16 is 1.50" the Nikon will need higher rings to clear the bolt on the 452/455 rifles....no question about that.

The only scope brands today that still have a small Ocular are Leupold and Weaver most of the others are huge now days. I love my V-16s~V-24s, my Grand Slams which has much better scope glass...but the price are higher also.

Here are a few pictures of my V-16/V-24s on my 452 and 455 rifles.

My CZ 455 FS


Close up of the V-24 scope...which is the same size as the V-16...Burris 420554 rings.



my 452 Varmint...V-16...Weaver 49219 rings


My 452 Americans both with V-16s...Burris 420076 rings


same Burris 420554 Rings (only 3 sheets of copy paper clearance) it worked but I put on some Burris 420076 rings for more clearance in the photo above.


This what I use...this is your rifle and your decision on what works best for you. Here is one last picture of my CZ rifles: So you can see what I use the Classic V series and the new Grand Slams.


Good luck on your quest...by the way this is just my CZ collection...my other collections of rifles only wear the Classis V series scopes...if you would like a picture of those I would be glad to post those also.

More to come

Signalman

 

Rhill sir the one thing I love about my Classic V series scopes is the Adjustable Objective...Most of the time I just set it and forget it...but I shoot gophers in two places now and at both locations....the range varies...one shot can be as close as 15 feet out and the others as far as I want to shoot...like 326 yards with my 17hmr rifles.

So I need to be able to adjust the A/O from shot to shot. The Classic V series Objective is adjusted between my thumb and middle finger...super easy after you have done it a few times and I don't even think about it any more just adjust on the fly..to get the best picture. Try that with a side focus.



see the dot on top of the scope...that is how far past the OBJ goes on my V-24 pictured...same with the V-16 below.


the V-24 50 FT OBJ goes down to about 37 Feet and my V-16 30 FT OBJ goes down to about 22/23 Feet.


This is why I love my Classic Series scopes...check out the reticles I own:

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=516808

and I do own a few of them: my V-16 ~ V-24 collection and the new Grand Slams also.



Anyway good luck on your quest...and if you want to talk about the Grand Slams I have those too. :AR15firin :AR15firin :AR15firin

JEE sir...thanks for the kind words...and you being the Professor of Optics here at RFC University...I welcome you to speak for us freshman (me) out here any time...always willing to learn more...sir. :bthumb:

Signalman

Edit: Rhill sir I have bought a lot of scopes in the last two years...even with my new GS scopes...the last scope I bought was another V-16 because they work for me. :-}

 

Signalman1 I have been looking for a Weaver V-16 for a year but never seen one under 300.00 dollars. Let us know where U purchase them Thanks

 

SD sir...Natchez had the V-16 on sale for $239 and the V-24 for $269 a month ago...today the V-16 is on sale for $279 and the V-24 for $359 so the prices vary for month to month and sale to sale. so you have to keep your eyes open for different sales. They go in cycles.

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-cl...ssic-v-series-riflescope-1-tube-4-16x42mm-ao-stt-dual-x-reticle-v-16-matte.html

I am waiting for the Grand Slam 4-16x Varmint EBX reticle to go back on sale. They are the same price as Midway is today...which is still higher than what they used to be...but this scope is the best of the best for me. :bthumb:

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-re...designed-grand-slam-riflescope-1-tube-4-16x44mm-varmint-eb-x-reticle-matte.html

Hope this helps.

Just a side note all my CZ rimfire rifles are Magnums: 22 mag and 17hmr and wear V-16, V-24 or GS 4-16 scopes. My CZ Centerfire rifles have GS 4-16, GS 5-20x or V-24 on them. I also have 550 FS in 308win with a Super Slam 4-20x scope and a few Grand Slam 6-20x scopes on other brands of rifles. I have bought over 20x V-16s over the last few years that are on my other brands of rifles and given some to my brothers for B-day and X mas gifts.

Signalman

 

Everyone thanks for all the input. Signalman, that is one impressive CZ collection! How many did you have to look at to find all those with that great wood? I only have two CZ452's, but the wood is not fancy. Does not stop them from shooting great tho! My 572's have some nice wood though. Any way, I think I may hold off on a new scope and see when Leupold comes out with the new 3x9efr, or may just go with the V16 Weaver. I always liked Weavers. I know a different company now, but back in the early '70s I had K4's, K6's and a v10 all steel tubes and loved them all, wish I still had them. Thanks again!:t

 

rhill sir the only one I knew about before I bought it was this one:
here is the other side of my fancy one;


here is one of my nice ones that I bought here and really did not now how nice the stock was


My 452 FS in 17hmr was one I bought on GB and really did not care what it looked like.


they are all nice and I do have some that are plain jane....the only one I ever got the chance to hand pick a firearm was this one...but for $3K you better hand pick what you want.



Signalman

Edit: now back to where we are supposed to be...rhill sir...Natchez current sale ends tonight...normally by now they have their Holiday sale going...it just might kick in after midnight tonight or first thing tomorrow...keep your eyes open...you just never can tell with Natchez on when their sales start and stop.

 

Nikon's PROSTAFF 3-9 Target EFR is one of my favorite 22lr scopes. As many of you know, I have been doing freelance work with Nikon for 9 years so I get to try out most of their optic's. The Target EFR is one that is always mounted on one of my rifles. Very clear and the parallax is huge. Hopefully, someday we will see this scope offered in some higher magnification options as many of you have asked for. Nikon also has a M-Tactical Rimfire scope that just came out, 2-7 magnification and a reticle option of MOA which should be a big plus for many of you. Another scope option for your 22 is Nikon's PROSTAFF 7, This is a 30mm scope with a BDC reticle. Parallax adjustment and numerous magnification options. Just throwing this out there since it is currently under a nice promotion. You can use Spot On to dial this scope is as well.

 

I, too, have Nikon ProStaff 3-9x EFR. Optically, it is very nice scope. The thing that bugs me about it (and it seems on many scopes today) is the HUGE ocular lens housing. They look ungainly and can have bolt clearance issues with more than a few rifles that can only be eliminated by going with scope rings that are higher than ideal. Not sure what the rationale might be.

I much prefer my Leupold VX-2 3-9x EFR. I agree with the other comments here that Leupold REALLY screwed up discontinuing that scope as well as the VX-2 4-12x AO and the VX-2 6-18x AO.

Doug

 

LEUPOLD.. HANDS DOWN.

 

Leupold!!
I haven't owned one yet but I have owned a Nikon. I bought a Buckmasters 11, 4-12 and put it on my 10/.22T. I loved it, and then the vertical cross hair started to rotate to the left until it was horizontal. I sent it to Nikon and soon got a new replacement. I decided to try it on my Savage 93R17. That scope WILL NOT focus. I have 4 Nikon cameras with nary a complaint. No more Nikon rifle scopes for me. Buy Leupold, you will be happier. Just my 2 cents. Ron

 

After checking out some of the scopes such as the 6x18's, I cannot bring myself to put such a large scope on my Anschutz. I much prefer the 3x9 size scopes, so far the Freedom rimfire 3x9 has the clearest glass to my eyes. I did check out the Burris Timberline 4.5x14 and liked it, but I think the eye relief is too long for my application. I feel like I would have to keep my head way back on the stock to keep the view from blacking out, and that is not a good way to shoot. I wish I did not care what my rifles look like or I would go with a larger scope, but I like to look at them as much as shoot them.:coco:

 

Good job :bthumb: I can't stand the look of those monster 30mm tube scopes on a rimfire rifle I had one once and I could have used the scope for a carry handle on the rimfire rifle I mounted it too. so it got sent back to where I bought it...now on a CF rifle no problem.

Signalman

 

Good info and interesting thread.

But, gees, after reading this thread I want to go and play at Signalman's house for a while. Nice collection.

 

Bradical sir thank you for the kind words. But if your going to come and play just be aware that I have other brands to play with.

Browning Buckmark rifles


Savage Classic 93 series 17hmr and 22mag in back


Same her but thumbhole 17hmr and 22mag in back


Marlin 883, 983 and 983 SS...all 22mag


Marlin XT22MSVR in 22mag and 980V in 22lr


So be prepared to have a few to choose from...and this is not all the rifles I own...I have my pistol and shotgun collection to keep you busy for a while so better pack a bag your going to be here for a while

Signalman

 

Signal, I get what you are saying about a giant scope on a 22lr. One of the questions I have been getting from a lot (easily over a doz) of folks is if they can use a Nikon BLACK FX1000 scope on their trainer rifle. Of course, you can use it where ever you want too. This is a 30mm scope with a 50mm obj in FFP. I would imagine you definitely would need tall rings for that application.

 

Bman940 sir it would all depend on which model of Trainer your talking about a 452 or 455...the 455 sights can be removed which allows a larger scope to be used.

The scope I had was a Vortex Viper which I had on my marlin 883 rifle and it was huge. The other factor is how big the Ocular is on the Nikon 1000 scope that will determine how high the rings need to be...a lot of scopes have huge Ocular housings these days which is more of a problem with CZ rifles than other brands.

Look everybody likes different things and if they were only bench shooting then a monster 34mm tube 24" long scope works for them...so be it....but I am a hunter and something that big is a joke for real hunting in the woods...PD shooting or off a bench no big deal.

I am old school and the largest scope I had for year was a Leupold VXIII 3.5-10x scope. Now 6-24 is the most magnification I own.

Good luck on your quest :bthumb:

Signalman

 

Signal, I get you, all of my 22's, not quite as many as you but still a bunch, all but one are used for hunting and 6 are suppressed either with an integrally suppressed barrel or screw on. All my rifles start out as hunting rifles because that is what I enjoy. The right fit scope is definitely a plus and necessity. That being said, some guys just like different things and I'm always up for hearing about the way guys utilize Nikon's scopes. Honestly, I never considered putting a BLACK FX1000 on a 22 but if it's what you want to do, ok with me. Great seeing all your guns love those Buckmarks.

 

Hey Bman940 sir I though you wanted to bolt a Nikon 1000 on yours or others ??? I guess I misread your question/statement. Any way I don't care for 30mm scopes they are too big for rimfire rifles in my opinion. CF rifles ok...but I don't have any and don't plan on buying one. My Weaver Grand Slam 5-20x on my Royal it's perfect size and any larger would be too big for me.



Signalman

 

Great looking scope and rifle. Clean look for a 5-20x50 scope. I did put a Nikon PROSTAFF 5 4.5-18 FFP scope on a CZ455 Tactical rifle and loved shooting that combo.

 

Bman940 sir what kind of reticle does it have ? My favorite is the Weaver GS 4-16x Varmint EBX reticle on my CZ 452 FS;



the dot is smaller than the V-24 varmint dot perfect for target and hunting :bthumb:


SM

 

It has the BDC reticle which some guys don't like but as a hunter, I have taken a lot of game all over North America using Nikon's BDC reticle and Spot On to dial it into my ammo. I took my first BDC reticle deer back before Spot On was out. Dialed in a .300 Win at 200 yards then each circle was another 100. I shot one KS doe at 50 yards and another at 527 yards. She just happened to stop in a snow covered milo field that had 1 loan cedar bush I ranged for practice. Put the 3rd circle on her and I was sold. Since then it has been my go to hunting reticle.

 

Bman940 sir thanks for the information..i just found my scope again on sale for cheaper than any other place I found in the last year. :bthumb:

totally happy right now. I have been waiting for almost a year now.

SM

 

I have owned both Leupold and Nikon rimfire scopes. I would not hesitate to buy either brand again. I put. a Leupold VX-1 2-7x33 Rimfire scope on my CZ 452 American a couple of years ago. Great scope for the money. The best rimfire scope I ever had for hunting was a Nikon 4x on my old Marlin model 25. The scopewas clear and held zero despite bumps, etc while walking thru brush and so on. Same as others I was hugely disappointed Leupold did away with the EFR scope with the adjustable objective. Hope they bring it back.

 

Singleman, how do you decide which one to shoot? I have this problem with my custom longbows and recurves.

 

It all depends on where and when I am going and how many rifles I can take. Weather also plays an important role. I normally bring at least 6 sometimes as many as 8. So there is no problem with picking rifles its only when I am limited to 3 rifles then it's a lot harder to choose.

Signalman